With George Kittle out, the 49ers may be looking for a temporary weapon for the 2026 campaign.
As the San Francisco 49ers look ahead to the 2026 season, one of the biggest questions on the offensive side of the ball centers on the tight end position.
George Kittle remains the heartbeat of Kyle Shanahan’s offense, but with the veteran rehabbing from a significant injury and expected to miss time early next season, San Francisco may need a short-term solution that doesn’t compromise its Super Bowl aspirations.
Rather than relying solely on in-house depth, the 49ers could turn to a strong 2026 free agent tight end class to stabilize the offense and keep defenses honest.
Here are three potential targets who could help bridge the gap until Kittle is back at full strength.
Kyle Pitts
If the 49ers want to make a splash, Kyle Pitts would immediately top their wish list. Few tight ends in the league offer his combination of size, speed, and receiving ability. Pitts is less of a traditional in-line tight end and more of a matchup nightmare, capable of lining up anywhere across the formation.
In Shanahan’s offense, Pitts could function as a de facto wide receiver, stretching the field vertically and opening space underneath for Ricky Pearsall and Christian McCaffrey. While the price tag would be significant, Pitts would allow the 49ers to maintain an explosive passing attack even without Kittle in the lineup and potentially give them a devastating two-tight-end look once Kittle returns.
Isaiah Likely
For a more understated but effective option, Isaiah Likely makes plenty of sense. Likely has proven himself as a reliable pass catcher, able to exploit soft spots in zone coverage and move the chains on critical downs. He may not possess elite size, but his athleticism and instincts make him a natural fit in a timing-based offense.
Likely’s comfort working the middle of the field would help preserve much of what the 49ers do best offensively. He wouldn’t be asked to replace Kittle’s physical presence as a blocker, but his versatility would allow Shanahan to keep his playbook open while leaning on creative formations and motion.
David Njoku
Another intriguing option is David Njoku, whose blend of size and explosiveness makes him one of the most physically imposing tight ends on the market. At his best, Njoku is a mismatch nightmare, too fast for linebackers and too strong for defensive backs.
Njoku would offer San Francisco a more traditional tight end presence, capable of handling red-zone duties and intermediate routes while also contributing as a blocker. His experience playing in multiple offensive systems would ease the transition, and his toughness after the catch aligns with the 49ers’ offensive identity. Njoku may not replicate Kittle’s all-around dominance, but he could stabilize the position and provide consistent production during Kittle’s absence.
While replacing George Kittle is nearly impossible, short-term reinforcement may be essential for the 49ers in 2026.
Whether they opt for the star power of Pitts, the efficiency of Likely, or the physical presence of Njoku, San Francisco has viable free agent paths to keep its offense among the NFL’s elite while its cornerstone tight end recovers.